With the Chargers season starting in only a few weeks, it is getting closer to the final roster being made. Preseason is only two weeks away. While many fans may not tune in until September, the preseason can be very exciting to see the unexpected players play their way to a roster spot.
Chargers @ Rams | Aug 12, 6:00pm PST
Saint @ Chargers | Aug 20, 4:05pm PST
Chargers @ 49ers | Aug 25, 7:00pm PST
________________________________________________
General manager Tom Telesco has had luck in drafting late round gems and finding undrafted talent. The preseason is where players like Austin Ekeler a few years ago can play their way to making the team. The Chargers this season have many possible breakout candidates to watch for in the preseason. They will be fighting to earn an NFL roster spot as well as playing time, especially the younger players.
The first round pick doesn’t have as much to prove as others, however he is definitely still a player to watch. He has already made a few highlight catches in training camp.
Johnston has many critics for his lack of contested catches and use of body catches while at TCU. Johnston may not play much as he is likely a starter, but the snaps he does get will be fun to see. Specifically to see if he looks as explosive after the catch as he did at TCU, and how much separation he can create.
The last few years have been rough for the Chargers preseason team with going 0-3 last season. While record doesn’t matter, it’s nice to see how the players play in a close game, not a blowout. Rookie 7th round pick Duggan might be able to help with that. The Chargers have not had a quality backup quarterback in a long time as most of them were brought in just to help in scheming. Duggan played at the highest level in college with his two Chargers teammates in Johnston and Derius Davis last season at TCU.
Duggan will likely start out as the third string quarterback behind the experienced Easton Stick. Stick has not played great in his preseason performances which had left the door wide open for a new backup quarterback to earn a spot. Duggan’s performance in the preseason will have a major impact on the backup quarterback decision for the Chargers. It will be very fun to see how the chemistry is with Duggan and Johnston as well with the speedy rookie Davis.
The most wide open position battle going into the preseason has to be the linebacker position. With the loss of Drue Tranquill this offseason, there is only one for sure starter at the linebacker position. The newly acquired Eric Kendricks will have a big role throughout the season as he has already proved himself while playing for the Vikings.
In the disaster of a playoff game last season, the linebackers were a big part of the comeback happening for the Jaguars. Kenneth Murray got beat for the first touchdown right before the half. Murray has struggled in every area of the game despite being a former first round pick. Head coach Brandon Staley helped him play more to his strengths in his elite athleticism but his inconsistency in coverage and tackling has been a problem.
Of the linebackers fighting for a starting role, rookie Daiyan Henley is the most exciting to get to watch. He thrived late in his collegiate career which made him become a third round pick for the Chargers this season. He became a great tackler with very good coverage alongside. The Staley defense requires players to play more than one position/play style often. Having a dual threat linebacker will help open the playbook if Henley is what they hope him to be. If he stands out in preseason, he may just crack the starting roster come week one.
The Chargers have a very deep roster for this upcoming season. While this is great for the team, some talented players might have to be released. Some great players are going to have to get cut at the receiver position very soon.
The receivers are stacked this season, especially in comparison to last season where they had one receiver who had played multiple NFL games due to injuries at the position. The Chargers acted on this by drafting two receivers, re-signing one and bringing in three undrafted talents.
With Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Quentin Johnston and Josh Palmer being locks, there is only room for one or two more wide outs to make the game day roster. The rookie Davis should have the upper hand as he was drafted to start on special teams and maybe get some snaps on offense as well. The returning Jalen Guyton, and the undrafted talent such as Pokey Wilson may have to be let go. If Guyton is healthy, he deserves a spot as he is on a majority of Herbert’s highlights because he’s always open deep down the field. If not, Wilson may be able to play his way to a roster spot.
It is unheard of to keep two kickers in the NFL, but the Chargers have two top talents. Just last season, Dustin Hopkins won the Chargers a game knocking down 4-4 field goals in the overtime win versus the Broncos while injured. His injury gave rookie Cameron Dicker a chance that he took all advantage of. Dicker led the entire NFL last season in field goal make percentage with 95.5 percent.
Both are serving an NFL roster spot, but Chargers realistically can only keep one. Staley in an interview recently said they cannot make a kicker decision until there are screaming fans in a game situation. Preseason will have to be the decider on who will be the Chargers starting kicker in 2023.
Stay tuned for more breaking NFL content, including midseason moves, contract updates and more news from every team.
Featured image courtesy of Los Angeles Chargers
You can check out more sports or gaming content on The Game Haus website!
*From Our Haus to Yours*
Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.
